Chief Michael Kent and the Burlington Police Department, as part of its ongoing 12 days of holiday safety tips, encourage residents and business owners to remember to “See Something, Say Something” and protect their community by recognizing and reporting suspicious activity.

“With more people out and about this holiday season, we want everyone to remain vigilant and be mindful of suspicious activity of all kinds in their neighborhoods and throughout the community,” Kent said. “If something seems suspicious or out of place, it’s worthwhile to report it and allow our officers to investigate.”

According to the Department of Homeland Security, suspicious activity includes, but is not limited to:

n Unusual items or situations: A vehicle parked at an odd location, a package left unattended, a window or door left is open that is normally closed, any other out-of-the-ordinary situation.

n Eliciting information: If a person questions other individuals at a level that is beyond normal curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures, personnel, shift changes, etc.

n Observation/surveillance: An individual who pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (especially in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g. with binoculars or video camera), taking notes or measurements, counting paces, sketching floor plans, etc. Many of these activities could be innocent, but police are ultimately responsible for determining whether the behavior should be investigated.

Residents should report suspicious activity to the Burlington Police Department at 781-272-1212. For information that does not require an immediate police response, but that residents think should be reported, submit an anonymous tip online at http://anonymoustips.com/anon-tips/send-tip-law-enforcement. Residents who wish to remain anonymous are also encouraged to report suspicious activity. Factors such as race, ethnicity and religious affiliation are not considered suspicious.